Lacey highlights DEI summit and rolls out language‑access tools including on‑demand interpreter app

The council on June 17 received an update on equity and language‑access work from Veronica Hand, Lacey’s equity and inclusion program manager, marking one year since she began in the newly created role.

Hand described a Thurston County DEI summit held at South Puget Sound Community College that drew roughly 130 attendees and convened local governments, nonprofits and youth. She said objectives included strengthening community networks, elevating youth voices and building ongoing collaboration; organizers secured the campus for about $400 and an invited keynote speaker performed pro bono, with some stipend later. Hand reported strong positive feedback, multiple sponsors committed to support a repeat event next year and continuing cross‑jurisdictional follow‑up.

Hand also outlined language‑access improvements the city has implemented: large multilingual “know your rights” and language‑selection posters at customer service windows, telephonic interpretation expanded to more languages, dedicated iPads at public counters and a citywide deployment of the LanguageLine Insight app on staff cell phones for on‑demand video and audio interpretation, including American Sign Language. The app vendor video shown to council demonstrated quick connection steps; Hand said staff received training and that the city has drafted a language‑access plan to be presented to the Commission on Equity in the coming week.

Councilmembers praised the work, noted that the app will help council members in the field and requested that the council receive access and training. Hand said the city also plans a first‑time homebuyer fair on Nov. 8 in partnership with the Thurston County Realtors Association and invited council members to upcoming events and continued collaboration.